A Love for Learning Begins at Home

We often talk about a love for learning as if it’s something that develops within the walls of a classroom. But before a child ever steps into a school, their first lessons happen at home—through the stories they hear, the games they play, and the interactions they share with their caregivers.

Yet, for many parents and caregivers, especially in low-resource settings, the idea of teaching through play is unfamiliar. Learning is often associated with formal instruction, discipline, and structure. Many caregivers were not played with as children themselves, so the concept of engaging their own children in playful learning can feel foreign, even unnecessary.

At Learn To Play, we recognise that a child’s relationship with learning is shaped long before they step into a classroom. The foundations of critical thinking, problem-solving, and emotional resilience are built through early interactions, particularly within the home. That’s why we developed the Parent Playbox—a structured, evidence-based programme that equips caregivers with the tools and knowledge to integrate purposeful play into daily life. By transforming routine interactions into engaging learning opportunities, the Parent Playbox ensures that children develop the cognitive, social, and emotional skills essential for lifelong learning.

How the Parent Playbox Works

Many parents want the best for their children but don’t always know how to support their learning at home. Play often feels secondary to more traditional ideas of education—reading, writing, and structured lessons. The Parent Playbox was created to change that.

Developed in partnership with Kids Collab, it’s a 52-week programme designed to make learning through play accessible, practical, and part of everyday life. Parents and caregivers begin with a full day of training in positive and playful parenting, equipping them with the confidence and skills to engage their children in meaningful activities. Each family receives a Playbox containing everything they need for a full year of structured play-based learning, removing the barriers of cost, complexity, or lack of resources. Every week, parents receive a new activity tailored to their child’s age group, making learning a natural, ongoing experience rather than a one-off effort.

But the impact goes beyond structured activities. The Playbox reshapes the way parents see their role in their child’s development. Many begin with doubts—unsure if they have the skills, or believing their child’s education is best left to schools. Over time, they start to see the changes. Children become more engaged, more curious, and more confident. The bond between parent and child strengthens, and learning becomes something shared rather than something imposed.

During an interview with an independent researcher, a parent from Dukwi refugee camp shared:?

“I used to think only children play. My parents did not play with me when I was young so I didn’t grow up knowing how to play with mom or dad. I just knew my role was to be given food and go to sleep. However, now you are showing us the importance of playing with our children. I didn’t know I could do it because I wasn’t used to it, but now, I am close to my child. I used to be strict with my child. If my child made a mistake, I would scold them, but now I see changes. I see the results.”

The Lasting Impact

By 2035, the Parent Playbox will reach a quarter of a million caregivers and children across Africa, embedding play into homes where it has never been before. Because a love for learning doesn’t begin with textbooks or tests—it begins in the home in the simple act of playing together.